U.S. retail sales declined 2 percent as the company dealt with higher dairy costs and increased marketing and merchandising costs for its domestic yogurt business.

The yogurt business has been challenged by upstart competitors such as Chobani selling Greek yogurt.

Sales for the conveniences stores and food-service unit dropped 7 percent due to the winter weather and lower prices on some product lines.

Sales improved in Europe and the Asia Pacific region, which offset weakness in Latin America and Canada.

General Mills Inc. maintained its forecast for strong double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter. The Minneapolis company also reaffirmed its fiscal 2014 guidance for adjusted earnings between $2.87 and $2.90 per share.